A 30day 9,938km Trans-Siberian Train (21 Jun>21 Jul, 2024) Vladivostok in the east to St. Petersburg
L-R standing: Chin Tai Tat, Wong Lai Chee, Chong Ee Ee, Ng Sock Ee, Gan Choi Geok, Chew Leng Soon, Chow Leng Toong, Chew Siang Peng, Tan Sin Su, Dato Sharon Tan, Chai Kin Sang, Chew Yoon Lian, Choo Yon Kit, Ann Kuah Beang Yen. L-R squatting: David Wee Kim Peng, Ching Neng Bin, Goh Ching Chee, Joyce Ho Chai Yoong. Photo taken in front of Moscow State Historical Museum.
Day 22 (July 12) Moscow on day 1 (24°C / 13°C) walking tour
Yesterday, our trains left Kazan's central station and arrived at Moscow's Kazansky railway station after a 12-hour journey of 793 kilometers. Upon arrival in Moscow, we visit the Moscow Kremlin Complex, a fortified structure in the city center that overlooks the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square to the east, and the Alexander Garden to the west. The Moscow Red Square is home to Moscow's most renowned structure, the Saint Basil Cathedral. Saint Basil is considered the national symbol of the country.
We later visited GUM (Moscow State Department Store). The trapezoidal building incorporates aspects of Russian medieval architecture, as well as a steel framework and glass roof, in a similar style to the great 19th-century railway stations of London. On this day, as we wrap off our tour, we boarded the Metro (subway) to visit a few stunning Metro Stations, which are regarded as among the most beautiful in the world.
The train ride includes a complimentary breakfast of cheese omelette and black coffee. This morning, we discussed the different types of snores we heard on our various train rides and times, as well as how some of us snored. The concept of intellectual property (IP) for our snores made us laugh! 
The train ride includes a complimentary breakfast of cheese omelette and black coffee. 
We are on a very comfortable double-decker train travel from Kazan to Moscow.
Walking out of the train to the Moscow Train Station in the morning.
Walking from the train platform to Moscow's Kazansky Railway Station.
Walking from the train platform to Moscow's Kazansky Railway Station.
The beautiful double-decker train runs from Kazan to Moscow's Kazansky Station.
At Moscow's Kazansky train station this morning, after traveling 793 km in 12 hours.
At Moscow's Kazansky train station this morning, after traveling 793 km in 12 hours.
We were outside Moscow's Kazansky Station, waiting for taxi to take us to our hotel.
We took taxis from Moscow's Kazansky Station to Delta Hotel. We left our luggage at the hotel store and embarked on our first Moscow adventure.
Our accommodation at the 4 star Izmailovo Gamma Delta Hotel in Moscow.
At the entrance to Partizanskaya Metro, a statue honoring partisans from the Great Patriotic War.
At the entrance to Partizanskaya Metro, a statue honoring partisans from the Great Patriotic War.
The Partizanskaya Metro is one of Moscow's most gorgeous underground systems!
At Partizanskaya Metro, there is a statue of Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, a young woman who is said to have refused to betray the partisans' secrets, leading to her torture and death at the hands of Nazis.
From Partizanskaya station, we arrive at this beautiful Ploshchad Revolyutsii station. The Russian capital's underground is full of treasures, including exquisite architectural station designs, bas reliefs, mosaics, and bronze sculptures.
The metro is noted for its architectural and artistic individuality, with hundreds of stops, each of which is a tourist destination. The Moscow Metro, which carries millions of passengers daily, is the world's eighth-biggest metro system and the largest outside of China.
Moscow Ploshchad Revolyutsii station is well-known for its sculptures. There are 76 bronze statues of Soviet citizens, including workers, peasants, soldiers, athletes, and sailors, representing every socioeconomic category that supported the victorious Bolsheviks during the 1917 Revolution.
Moscow Ploshchad Revolyutsii station is well-known for its sculptures.
The most popular statue depicts a border guard seated with a guard dog. The animal's face is glossy bronze because Muscovites think that touching the dog's nose brings good luck.
Moscow Ploshchad Revolyutsii station is well-known for its sculptures.
Moscow Ploshchad Revolyutsii station is well-known for its sculptures.
Moscow Ploshchad Revolyutsii station is well-known for its sculptures.
Moscow Ploshchad Revolyutsii station is well-known for its sculptures.
Moscow Ploshchad Revolyutsii station is well-known for its sculptures.
Moscow Ploshchad Revolyutsii station is well-known for its sculptures.
We take the Ploshchad Revolyutsii exit tunnel to reach the Moscow Kremlin Complex.
We take the Ploshchad Revolyutsii exit tunnel to reach the Moscow Kremlin Complex.
We take the Ploshchad Revolyutsii exit tunnel to reach the Moscow Kremlin Complex. Musician at Moscow Ploshchad Revolyutsii metro station.
Walking out of the Ploshchad Revolyutsii exit tunnel to explore the Moscow Kremlin Complex.
Walking out of the Ploshchad Revolyutsii exit tunnel to explore the Moscow Kremlin Complex.
Large buildings along the road to Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall.
Large buildings along the road to Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall.
Large buildings along the road to Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall.
Large buildings along the road to Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall.
Large buildings along the road to Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall.
Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall - Each level is adorned in a distinct era's style: 18th-century, classicism, and modern. The roof is ornamented in the 19th-century style. The "Clock of Peace" dome fountain sits atop the primary ornamentation. The bottom floor is adorned with several lanterns and 12 fountains. 
Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall's bottom floor is decorated with 12 fountains. 
Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall's main decoration is a dome fountain called the "Clock of Peace."
We had lunch at Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall.
We had lunch at Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall.
We had lunch at Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall.
We had lunch at Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall.
The Moscow State Historical Museum is located between Red and Manege Squares. 
L-R standing:
Chin Tai Tat, Wong Lai Chee, Chong Ee Ee, Ng Sock Ee, Gan Choi Geok,
Chew Leng Soon, Chow Leng Toong, Chew Siang Peng, Tan Sin Su, Dato
Sharon Tan, Chai Kin Sang, Chew Yoon Lian, Choo Yon Kit, Ann Kuah Beang
Yen. L-R squatting: David Wee Kim Peng, Ching Neng Bin, Goh Ching Chee, Joyce Ho Chai Yoong. 
The Moscow State Historical Museum's exhibitions range from remnants of prehistoric tribes who lived in the area of modern-day Russia to precious artworks acquired by Romanov dynasties. 
The Moscow State Historical Museum has millions of pieces in its collection. 
We are at the Corner Arsenalnaya Tower. The Moscow Kremlin Wall is a defense wall that surrounds the Moscow Kremlin, which is identifiable by its distinctive notches and Kremlin towers. 
The bronze plaque marking a map of Moscow Kremlin on the ground.
Moscow Kremlin Museums map and ticket.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial in Alexander Garden honoring troops lost in World War II.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial in Alexander Garden honoring troops lost in World War II.
A little grotto fountain in Alexander Garden, Moscow Kremlin.
The Alexander Garden Obelisk is a memorial situated near the Moscow Kremlin walls.
Walking across the Troitsky Bridge, the Kutafya Tower in Moscow's Kremlin can be seen behind us. 
The Troitskaya Tower is a tower with a through passage in the center of the Moscow Kremlin's northern wall, overlooking the Alexander Garden.
The State Kremlin Palace is a big modern building located within the Moscow Kremlin. 
Medieval cannons inside the Moscow Kremlin, Russia.
The Tsar Cannon is a massive early modern artillery piece on exhibit at the Moscow Kremlin.
The Tsar Cannon is made of bronze, weighs 39,312 kg, and is 5.34 meters long. 
Chin Tai Tat and Sharon Tan at Moscow Kremlin Comples.
The Tsar Bell stands 6.14 meters tall and has a diameter of 6.6 meters. 
The Tsar Bell is on exhibit on the grounds of the Moscow Kremlin. 
The Cathedral of the Annunciation, with its magnificent gold domes, is located near the Grand Kremlin Palace in the southwestern portion of Cathedral Square.
The Annunciation Cathedral has four tiny chapels within it. Do not forget to gaze up; the cathedral's high roof let a lot of light in. A large number of murals were created at one time. Everything is gorgeous, everything is old, and each mural has a similar theme. 
The Annunciation Cathedral displays the Holy Virgin of the Milk-Giver, Phimen, and Hodegetria of Smolensk.
The Annunciation Cathedral displays: John the Baptist.
The Annunciation Cathedral displays The Entry in Jerusalem.
The Annunciation Cathedral displays The Crucifixion.
The Annunciation Cathedral displays the Multi-tier Iconostasis of the cathedral.
The Annunciation Cathedral exhibits the cathedral's multi-tiered iconostasis in Moscow's Kremlin.
Western portal at the Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The copper gate at the Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Annunciation Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral is located just opposite of the Cathedral of the Annunciation. The cathedral's interior is dark and atmospheric, with a variety of rich, earthy tones. The cathedral's frescoes were painted by approximately a hundred artists between 1652 and 1666, under the supervision of prominent icon painters Simon Ushakov, Stepan Rezanets, and Fyodor Zubov. 
The Archangel Cathedral is located just opposite of the Cathedral of the Annunciation.
The Archangel Cathedral is located just opposite of the Cathedral of the Annunciation.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral is in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral's pillars feature images of Kiev Prince Vladimir, Princess Olga, Andrei Bogolyubsky, Alexander Nevsky, and his son Daniyl, who established the Moscow dynasty.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
Silver Srine in the Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The wall painting of Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The wall painting of Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The wall painting of Archangel Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Archangel Cathedral contains 46 tombs of the rulers of the Duchy of Moscow.
The Archangel Cathedral contains 46 tombs of the rulers of Russia.
The cathedral contains 46 tombs of the rulers of the Duchy of Moscow and Russia from the fourteenth century until Peter I moved Russia's capital to Saint Petersburg. The burial chamber of Russia's first tsar, Ivan IV, the Terrible, is particularly noteworthy. There are 54 burials in the cathedral.
The Archangel Cathedral contains 46 tombs of the rulers of Russia.
The Archangel Cathedral contains 46 tombs of the rulers of Russia.
The Archangel Cathedral contains 46 tombs of the rulers of Russia.
The Archangel Cathedral contains 46 tombs of the rulers of Russia.
The tomb of Princes Vladimir and Vassily of Staritsa Archangel Cathedral
The Ivan the Great Bell Tower is a church tower within the Moscow Kremlin complex. It was built in 1508 on Cathedral Square for the three Russian Orthodox cathedrals: the Assumption (closest to the tower), the Archangel, and the Annunciation.
The Ivan the Great Bell Tower is the tallest tower at 81 metres.
The bells outside Ivan the Great's Bell Tower.
The Dormition Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox church honoring the Dormition of the Theotokos. 
The Dormition Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
The Dormition Cathedral in Moscow's Kremlin.
Moscow's Manezhnaya Square (near the Historical Museum).
Monument to Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov in Moscow.
The Moscow State Historical Museum at Moscow's Manege Square. 
Resurrection Gate or Iberian Gate connects the north-western end of Red Square with Manege Square and gives its name to nearby Voskresenskaya Square (Resurrection Square, renamed Revolution Square in 1918). Just in front of the Iveron Chapel is a bronze plaque marking kilometre zero of the Russian highway system. 
Resurrection Gate connects the north-western end of Red
Square with Manege Square. The
gate adjoins the ornate building of the Moscow City Hall to the east and
the State Historical Museum to the west. Just in front of the Gate is the Iveron Chapel.
Chin Tai Tat stands in front of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Dr Ko Wen Wu is taking photo of St. Basil’s Cathedral in the Moscow Red Square.
Saint Basil's Cathedral is an Orthodox church located in Moscow's Red Square and is one of Russia's most well-known cultural landmarks. The structure, which is now a museum, is formally known as the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat, or Pokrovsky Cathedral. It was built between 1555 and 1561 on orders from Ivan the Terrible and commemorates the conquering of Kazan and Astrakhan. 
Saint Basil's Cathedral features nine domes (each representing a separate church) and is shaped like the flame of a bonfire ascending into the air.
Saint Basil's Cathedral - The original structure, known as Trinity Church and later Trinity Cathedral, had eight chapels organized around a ninth, central chapel dedicated to the Intercession; a tenth chapel was added in 1588 over the burial of the revered local saint Vasily (Basil).
Monument honoring Minin and Pozharsky on Red Square in Moscow.
Saint Basil's Cathedral is an Orthodox church located in Moscow's Red Square.
Saint Basil's Cathedral is an Orthodox church located in Moscow's Red Square.
Saint Basil's Cathedral is an Orthodox church located in Moscow's Red Square.
St. Basil's Cathedral's side chapels include an 18th-century iconostasis.
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Interior dome of one of the ten chapels of Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Interior dome of one of the ten chapels of Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Interior dome of one of the ten chapels of Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
This Moscow cathedral features a 17th-century icon of St. Basil the Blessed. 
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Church of Entry into Jerusalem at Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square.
The upper floor of St. Basil's Cathedral offers a view of Red Square to the north. 
The Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God on Red Square (Kazansky Cathedral) is an Orthodox church in Moscow that stands in front of the Mint at the corner of Red Square and Nikolskaya Street. 
After visiting St Basel Church, we explored the nearby GUM, a prominent, long-established 3-story shopping arcade with a semicircular glass ceiling and international brands. GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM carries over 100 different brands and features cafes and eateries within the mall.
GUM carries over 100 different brands and features cafes and eateries within the mall.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
GUM is a shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin that faces the Red Square.
We had our beer and vodka in GUM shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin.
We had our beer and vodka in GUM shopping complex in the Moscow Kremlin.
When we exited GUM Shopping Mall, the walking street (i.e. Nikolskaya Street) was illuminated with thousands of tiny lights spanning the street. It looked like something out of a fairytale, and it was a beautiful sight. Nikolskaya Street connects Red Square to Lubyanka Square.
Ng Sock Ee, Gan Choi Geok, and Chong Ee Ee walking on Nikolskaya Street, Moscow.
Walking on Nikolskaya Street, Moscow.
Nikolskaya Street is one of Moscow's oldest streets, lined with stately buildings, theaters, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment venues. There were several street buskers and performers.
There were several street performers in Nikolskaya Street of Moscow.Street buskers and performers in Nikolskaya Street of Moscow.Street buskers and performers in Nikolskaya Street of Moscow.
Nikolskaya Street in Moscow: unique place for bar hopping.
David Wee calling all of us for dinner in this restaurant on Nikolskaya Street, Moscow.
Chin Tai Tat and David Wee having dinner in this restaurant on Nikolskaya Street, Moscow.
Wong Lai Chee and Adam Teo having dinner in this restaurant on Nikolskaya Street, Moscow.
Nikolskaya Street was illuminated with thousands of tiny lights spanning the street. It looked like something out of a fairy tale, and it was a beautiful sight.
Nikolskaya Street was illuminated with thousands of tiny lights spanning the street.
From Nikolskaya Street we walked to Metro to take the train back to our Gamma Delta Hotel.
Night time view of Izmailovo Gamma Delta Hotel complex in Moscow.
The
Trans-Siberian Railway holds the title of the longest train journey in
the world. Over the course of our 11-day train trip (9,938 km), we have
witnessed the vast pine forests, impressive rivers, and undulating
plains of the Russian landscape.
Traveling from Vladivostok to Saint Petersburg, we pass through enchanting cities such as Khabarovsk, Chita,
Ulan Ude, Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan,
Moscow, and Saint Petersburg; each destination offers a blend of
breathtaking scenery, vibrant cultures, and deep-rooted history. We are
always prepared for the remarkable adventure across Russia's vast and
varied landscape, aiming to forge memories that will last a lifetime!
click below to view
Day01 Bangkok to Irkutsk, Russia
Day02 Irkutsk to Vladivostok, Russia
Day03 Vladivostok to Khabarovsk (1st overnight train)
Day04 Khabarovsk
Day05 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 1 (2nd overnight train)
Day06 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 2 (3rd overnight train)
Day07 Chita
Day08 Chita to Ulan Ude (4th overnight train)
Day09 Ulan Ude
Day10 Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk (5th overnight train)
Day11 Irkutsk to Olkhon Island
Day12 Olkhon Island
Day13 Olkhon Island to Irkutsk to Krasnoyarsk (6th overnight train)
Day14 Krasnoyarsk
Day15 Krasnoyarsk to Novosibirsk (7th overnight train)
Day16 Novosibirsk
Day17 Novosibirsk to Yekaterinburg (8th overnight train)
Day18 Yekaterinburg
Day19 Yekaterinburg to Kazan (9th overnight train)
Day20 Kazan
Day21 Kazan to Moscow (10th overnight train)
Day22 Moscow (day 1)
Day23 Moscow (day 2)
Day24 Moscow to St Petersburg (11th overnight train)
Day25 St Petersburg (day 1)
Day26 St Petersburg (day 2)
Day27 St Petersburg (day 3)
Day28 St Petersburg (day 4)
Day29 St Petersburg to Dubai
Day30 Dubai to KLIA
